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Local Business Feature: Sheepdog Brewing

It’s not a bad day at work when the assignment is “Please go interview the Sheepdog Brewing Staff”.

Sean sat down with Sheepdog Founders Allen Russel and Josh Forster, and enjoyed a pint and a laugh.

Sean: When did Sheepdog start? What is the origin of the name?
Allen: We opened our doors in June 2019! (Side note: The Rockies Rentals Crew was there!!) Josh and I started the concept in 2017 and in 2018 our third partner, David joined us. We went through a bunch of name ideas and finally decided on Sheepdog Brewing. All three of us are firefighters, law enforcement and a veteran so Sheepdog was an analogy for first responders, veterans and military.

There was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US military, who was a ranger, he came up with an analogy for military personnel going to war. He said that society is like a herd of sheep, they do their own thing, eat the grass, go to work. On the outside of the herd are the wolves that prey on the herd, like the bad guys or the terrorists. Then there’s the sheepdog who sits on the hill guarding the flock. When the wolves come to prey on the sheep, the sheepdog jumps into action and protects the flock.

Sean: So… you’re protecting the town of Canmore with beer?
Allen:  Yeah, exactly!! You guessed it! Sheepdog Brewing is a great place to spot a local firefighter!

Sean: How many beers/ales/stouts etc. do you typically have available?
Allen: We have 16 taps so we try and have 15 different types of beers available, plus we have a cider on tap too. We’re releasing a new item in July 2021 but it’s super secret right now.

Sean: How did “Pedal for Pints” come about?
Josh: We’re all big mountain bikers here in town. We wanted to find a way to support the local trail maintenance crews and find a way to raise some funds to build more trails and sustain our existing trails. We figured, what’s better than riding bikes and drinking beer? So we created a loop for businesses to get some awareness and sponsorship and a way for people to socialize after COVID.

Sean: What is your favourite non-alcoholic beverage?
Allen:  Ginger beer!

Sean: What is the worst beer in the world?
Allen: I don’t know if there is a worst beer, maybe macro brewed beer. It’s cheap, but flavourless.

Sean: I hear that Sheepdog is dog friendly, which brings me to my final 2 questions; Who’s a good boy? Are you a good boy?
Allen: *Belly Laugh* That’s right!! I’m a good boy! Do I get a cookie?

Staff Favourites from Sheepdog Brewing

Sean’s Pick: Coconut Porter, and the Guava Kettle Sour
Kristina’s Pick: Guava Kettle Sour, and the Boysenberry Wheat Ale
Charla’s Pick: Charla is our eternal Designated Driver, and  *loves* the “Non Alcoholic Beer Dispenser” on the 2nd Level.  Spoiler alert: It’s a Fire Hydrant.

When asked his favourite Tom Replied: “Not been there in a while so not sure really. I like wheat beers though”… Follow our Blog for more of Tom’s Recommendations.

Check out what they’ve got on tap, which days they have food trucks, and where to find their patio next time you’re in Canmore here!

Hiking in the Bow Valley and Canadian Rockies

Since you’ve decided to stay in Canmore for your mountain adventure, you better not be spending all your time inside! Hiking can be a great way to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our surrounding area. The great outdoors is accessible all year long, so strap on some good sturdy boots and try hiking in the Bow Valley and Canadian Rockies!

Some day hikes are great for any season, some might only be accessible at certain times of the year. This is by no means a comprehensive list. The Rocky Mountains would take even the most avid hiker a couple of lifetimes to fully explore. From Kananaskis to Castle Mountain, Lake Louise to Policeman’s Creek, it’s all great and it’s all waiting for you to explore!

Spring Hiking in the Rockies

Photos: Top Left- West Wind Pass, Top Right- Egypt Lake by @calebhphotography,  Bottom Left- Porcupine Ridge, Bottom Left – Grassy Knob, View of Three Sisters

We’ve put together a collection of some of our favourite day hikes by season and they can be found here:

Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to check out some of these hikes. But remember – it is always best to do your own research beforehand, using multiple sources. These sources could be including but not limited to:

Be aware of any possible closures and/or advisories. Remember that everyone has different levels of fitness and ambition, but the most important thing is getting out there and exploring the Canadian Rockies while respecting the environment and everything that resides within it. Do not forget your bear spray (yes, all year round), good boots, an extra pair of socks and never skimp when packing the snacks!

@calebhphotography

@calebhphotography

5 Favourite Local Canmore Summer Guided Experiences

Looking for something different to do this summer and not sure where to start? Have you ever tried a guided tour? They can be a great way to safely try something new, learn a new skill or meet people. Here are our favourite local Canmore and Banff guided summer experiences, some of which you won’t find anywhere else!

 

Canadian Rockies Experience 

If you’d like to explore the Rockies in style, this company has everything planned out to get you the best views, food, and facts. They’ll pick you up at your door and escort you on a tour of your choosing. They can also plan personalized hikes or tours if what you’d like to do isn’t already in their repertoire. Ask one of our reservations staff for a Rockies Rentals specific discount code!

 

Bow Valley SUP & Surf 

We spend so much time taking pictures of lakes and rivers, and don’t get out on them nearly enough (in our opinion). SUP tours are a fun way to take in the beauty of the Bow Valley from a new vantage point. You can also book lessons, or custom group trips.

 

Kahli April Photography

Local photographer Kahli (pronounced like, Bali) a landscape photographer originally from Australia, offers a range of exciting fun workshops for photographers. Summer workshops include CMH Heli Hiking and night photography in Banff National Park. Kahli also offer private instruction as well as mountain elopements and weddings!

 

OnTop Mountaineering

OnTop Mountaineering offer Summer Day Camps for Youth in Canmore & Banff and the Bow Valley. With two groups, ages 11 – 13 and 14 – 17, this program offers youth an opportunity to learn new skills and improve their technique. Open to any skill and experience level.

 

Boundary Ranch

If you’re not one for hiking but would LOVE to check out some of the beauty that Kananaskis has to offer, taking a trail ride with Boundary Ranch might just be for you. They have a large variety of guided tours on horseback and in conjunction with other activities, some even include meals!

Canine Canmore –Tips for Visiting Canmore with Your Dog

Are you visiting Canmore with your dog? Here are a few insider tips on where to find essentials and dogs parks. Most importantly – we explain why it’s important to always have your dog on-leash.

Pet Stores & Grooming

Mutt Hut Pet Emporium – This local downtown Canmore pet store has it all! They offer a large selection of high-quality products and food, as well as a pet bakery and spa-like grooming services. They also have the best in-house smoked marrow bones. Please consider supporting local!

Pet Planet – Located near the Canadian Tire and the two grocery stores. Pet Planet has a good selection of treats, toys, food, and other products for your pet. They also have a self-serve grooming room at the back.

Dirty Dog Car & Truck Wash – You won’t find much about it online but here’s a local’s secret for you: there’s a do-it-yourself dog and car wash in Cougar Creek at 126 Bow Meadows Cres.

Why it’s Essential to Leash Your Dog in the Rockies

Did you know that all dogs must be on-leash at all times in and around Canmore, Banff, and Kananaskis due to an increased threat of wildlife conflicts? The only exceptions are the designated off-leash dog parks around Canmore, and off-leash dog parks in Banff. In the Rockies, wildlife is our top priority so off-leash dogs are considered a big taboo.

“A two-year remote camera study of human use in wildlife corridors and habitat patches around Canmore between 2015-2017 showed almost 50,000 records of dogs, 58 per cent of which were off leash. In particular, her research showed off-leash dogs had a negative impact on habitat use of black bears, elk and deer, and hikers were had a negative impact on habitat use of cougars and white-tailed deer.”  (Source)

Dog Parks in Canmore

Canmore has five incredible off-leash dog parks. We highly recommend checking them all out with your furry family members. You’ll notice that Canmore residents have no issue bringing balls and toys to the park. We like to give a head’s up as this can be different from the culture in other towns.

One of Canmore locals’ favourites is Quarry Park, which is suitable for only the very best-behaved dogs because it is unfenced. The Town of Canmore has placed large boulders to mark where the edge of the park is, and there are signs at the boundaries. Unfortunately the lake itself is not an off-leash area, but there is a pond in the dog park so your pooch can take a dip as well. If you are visiting in the winter remember to check the Town of Canmore’s avalanche bombing schedule for the East End of Rundle mountain. The booming sounds have been known to startle dogs that are unfamiliar with them.

Elk Run is arguably one of the best parks for a sunset game of fetch, as it features a large flat field and panoramic views of the mountain ranges that flank Canmore. This park is fenced, and at its busiest in the morning – typically from 7:30-9am. Sticks are hard to find here as there are few trees. We recommend bringing a ball or a toy of some kind just in case the park is quiet! This is the neighbourhood park most used by residents of the Cougar Creek area but there is a large parking lot and all are welcome!

Elk Run Dog Park Canmore Alberta

The Cougar Creek/1A Park is the second biggest park, and also the second-busiest (after Quarry). It’s rare to have this place to yourself! Locals call this park “Helipad” due to its proximity to the Heliport – if your dog is not comfortable with loud noises or crowds, this is not the park for you. Characterized by paths that wind through the trees, and rocky open areas (a remnant of the 2013 floods) this park can make you feel like you’re out on an adventure and not in a fully fenced park in town. If you’re steady on your feet and looking for a crowd, this park will tick all of the boxes – there are also lots of sticks!

Palliser dog park is a fully fenced park located in front of a condo complex. It is a smaller neighbourhood park that may seem as though it is just for the residents of those buildings. It is open to all, but parking can be limited on the street.

Hubman Dog Park is also a smaller neighbourhood park. There is limited parking here, in the lot located at the intersection of Three Sisters Boulevard and Riva Rd. The park is not immediately visible from the parking lot, and is accessed by following the paved path along the Frisbee Golf course. There is a high chance of coming across Elk here so please keep your pup leashed and under control until you are in the park.

Hiking with Dogs Around Canmore & Banff

Most dogs love walks, and hikes are basically just reaaally long walks, with a few more things to take into consideration. While we at Rockies Rentals are dog lovers and dog owners – we are not experts on hiking with dogs. For the top things to keep in mind when out on your next mountain adventure, check out The 10 Commandments of Hiking with Dogs.

There is one thing not noted in that article, however, that we think you should also keep in mind. Dogs need water when hiking, and most mountains lack water as you gain elevation. PLEASE always remember to bring water for you AND your dog.

Looking for a Canmore vacation home for your next vacation? Check our availability!

Rainy Day Guide – Canmore & Banff

Ever wonder what to do on a rainy day in Canmore and Banff? Make the most of your vacation with our rainy day guide!

One of the more common questions we hear from our guests is, “What is there to do around Canmore and Banff on a rainy day?” While we wish we could control the weather to ensure you all have beautiful sunny weather for every day of your vacation there are some limits to our superpowers, so we’ve created this ‘Rainy Day Guide’ to Canmore & Banff!

Below is a list of our favourite activities to do around Canmore and Banff on a rainy day. Please note, all information is subject to change. Restriction and closures may be in effect due to COVID. If you’re going for a drive, we suggest you check for road closures. Please call ahead or check online to confirm details about your destination before heading out.

 Sightsee in Banff National Park Without Getting Wet on a Rainy Day

 

Canmore Cave Tours, Photo by Adam Walker

Get Physical on a Rainy Day

Whyte Museum, Banff

 

 Rainy Day Guide – Culture & Heritage in Canmore & Banff

 Rainy Day Guide – Canmore & Banff Community Experiences

Get Creative

Bankhead, photo by m01229 on flickr

If You Don’t Mind Getting Wet…

There are also endless trails to choose from, a few of our favourites include:

Looking for a Canmore vacation home for your next vacation? Check our availability!